Face of the Fall: Pimblett’s UFC 234 Moment Goes Viral as Memes Take Over
25 January 2026
Fight Night Recap
Paddy Pimblett, the English lightweight, became meme material after a crushing defeat when a swollen face circulated online following his latest bout against Justin Gaethje.
The bout took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where Gaethje claimed the interim lightweight title at UFC 234.
Pimblett's face looked puffy, with bruises and swelling that worsened as the fight wore on.
He also absorbed two blows to the eye, contributing to the damage and other facial injuries.
Despite the punishment, Pimblett gave a post-fight interview with a swollen visage before being transported to a hospital for medical evaluation, according to ESPN.
Aftermath and Reactions
Meanwhile, memes flooded the web faster than his swelling, as fans joked that the swelling could qualify as a new shade of championship belt.
Pimblett, meanwhile, promised to return with a sharper face and an even sharper microphone.
Let the memes cool down, or heat up again.
